Surveillance in the Modern World

Discussion 16: Surveillance in the Modern World

Miles MagnesiNo unread replies.No replies.

Overview:

This assignment will require you to demonstrate your knowledge of certain aspects of the novel, 1984, as well as how this novel connects to real-world issues. Remember, these discussion board posts are not meant to be time-consuming tasks since you will also be working on major assignments throughout the same week (in this case, a good amount of reading). Instead, they’re meant to give all of you a chance to share your ideas and convey your understanding of course concepts.

Unlike our previous discussion board posts, today’s assignment will be worth a total of five points. 1) To start, you will post an original response that addresses each of the questions listed below. These original responses must be a minimum of 150 words in length, and you’ll want to use a separate paragraph for each question (for the sake of clarity and consistency). 2) Following the submission of your original responses, you will then respond to at least two of your peers. These peer responses should be a minimum of 75 words each, and you’ll want to address the content of your peers’ original responses and offer your own ideas and insights. Each set of responses will be worth a total of fie points (2.5 points for original posts, and 2.5 points for peer replies).

Due Dates:

Original posts are due tonight by 11:59pm. Peer replies will be due tomorrow night by 11:59pm.

Grading:

These responses are credit/no credit assignments. If you meet the minimum assignment requirements and post by the set deadlines, then you will receive full credit for both segments (2.5 points each, 5 points total). While these responses do not need to be in MLA format, your writing should be clear, polished, and professional. Late posts will not receive credit, so please submit your responses in a timely manner.

Assignment Questions:

1. Use the internet — specifically, standard search engines such as Google — to find additional information on surveillance and data acquisition in the twenty-first century. Discuss at least one example / comparison that we did not cover in today’s class and explain how it relates to 1984 and its various themes. You will need to introduce your source of information and explain how you acquired it, and I would also like you to include an MLA-format citation for the source.

2. Use one of our academic databases — such as EBSCOhost, Opposing Viewpoints, etc. —  to find additional information on surveillance and data acquisition in the twenty-first century. Discuss at least one example / comparison that we did not cover in today’s class and explain how it relates to 1984. You will need to introduce your source of information and explain how you acquired it, and I would also like you to include an MLA-format citation for the source (Note: EBSCOhost actually provides MLA-formatted citations!)

3. Based on what you have found, do you feel that George Orwell’s fear of a future surveillance state has come to fruition? Is there any “turning back,” at this point? Explain your reasoning.